“Knowledge gained is as useless as pride, if filed away and never applied.”
― Richelle E. Goodrich, Author
Re-entry from an impactful, inspirational NAEA Convention and landing back in the classroom can be both incredibly empowering and surprisingly challenging. Challenges can sometimes flare up because we have been so filled up with wonder and excitement being surrounded by everyone-on-the-same-page and everything we love about art life, all in one place for a week-long retreat. Then, we are back home to dirty laundry, and quite possibly a lack of rest due to delays and cancelled flights. Then Monday morning comes crashing down, where the sub might not have exactly followed our lessons, the curriculum is off track, the clean sink we left behind is now full of paint-crusted brushes, and to top it all off, our non-art colleagues have never even heard of the keynote speaker we start telling them about! Don’t take it personally. We are a little physically exhausted too from a little lack of rest, and a little too much fun, so all of this can cause a little emotional “let down,” once we are back in the real world. Here are a few tips I learned through my many orbits around the sun and NAEA Conventions that made this transition a little easier.
Reflecting
Just like unpacking your suitcase, also take a moment to unpack your memories of the week and revisit the notes and handouts you gleaned from all of the sessions your attended and conversations you had. Jot down a few reflections, maybe even map out a plan of how you can use what you learned. Share these reflections in a note to your administrator or a sponsor, to let them know how grateful you are for their support. They are much more likely to continue the support once they know how it benefitted you in your practice. Plus it’s a kind thing to do. Also, if there’s a quote you wrote down from a speaker or a colleague, write it on a scrap piece of art paper, decorate it if you wish, and put it where you will look at it every day. Art matters. Gratefulness matters. Reflecting matters.
Fellow educators from 4 different states!
Connecting
One of the things I love most about NAEA is meeting art educators from all across the continent! So many of my closest friends, I have met through the convention “reunion.” Reach out and connect with someone you just met. Follow their socials. Send a message. Find out when their state or regional conferences are and consider a visit! Make plans to meet up for the next NAEA convention. Stay connected. As educator Debi West says, “Together We Art Better!”
Debriefing
Once you have rested up from your travels, make a plan to meet up with a fellow convention colleague to discuss the conference. Either do this in person, over a chat, dinner, or zoom. Share and listen and then discuss how you are going to implement what you learned. Keep the conversation positive. Share notes and handouts! You might even find yourself using something they learned in your own practice.
Envisioning
So now that you have attended and possibly even presented at a national convention, look at YOU! Don’t underestimate that sense of empowerment! Take time to consider how this might impact your practice. What have you learned that you can implement or adapt? What ideas have you gleaned from conversations with other educators that might be suggested to your department head or administrator (after you write the thank you note)? What are some tips or hacks that might make your lessons run more smoothly? Did you hear from a session presenter or speaker that you might suggest to someone for your own state conference? Get the contacts and share the vision. Sharing is caring. #artislove